Amitabh Bachchan to play Gabbar in Ram Gopal Varma's Sholay remake

In a casting coup, Ram Gopal Varma has signed Amitabh Bachchan to play the dreaded dacoit, Gabbar Singh (originally played by Amjad Khan), in his remake, Ram Gopal Varma Ki Sholay.
Ramu is extremely excited about the casting. “When I decided to remake Sholay (directed by Ramesh Sippy), I had thought of Bachchan playing the role; I am very thrilled that he is now playing Gabbar Singh. According to me, Gabbar was the hero of Sholay, though he was portrayed as the villain.
After Sholay released, Gabbar became a legend — only the biggest star today can play that role now. Since I will be setting the story in Mumbai, in 2005, there will be some structural changes. I want to highlight the entertaining facets of Gabbar’s personality, his one-liners, the high-voltage drama surrounding his personality, his menace, and I don’t think anyone but Bachchan can pull it off.”

How did Bachchan react when offered the role? “He was a little taken aback, but when I explained the facets and said he should take it up as a challenge, he was okay,” says Varma. “I want to keep the film as close to Sholay as possible.”

Continues the director, “Sholay is a classic and I would like Ram Gopal Varma Ki Sholay to have the intensity and grit of the original. It’s just that the setting is different.”

Ramu’s version has an encounter cop (instead of a thakur) hiring out two petty criminals to take on Gabbar. Varma has already finalised Mohit Ahlawat to play the part of Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) in the film.